Mirror in the Sky: Savoring Art to Soothe Our Spirit

To Kill a Mockingbird is ranked #25 on our list, and for good reason. It’s one of those films that stays with you, no matter how many times you watch it.

At its heart, this is a story about justice, morality, and seeing the world through the eyes of others.

Gregory Peck delivers an unforgettable performance as Atticus Finch—his quiet strength and unwavering principles have made him one of the most iconic film characters of all time. But the real magic of the film comes from seeing the story unfold through Scout’s eyes—how she, and we, make sense of the beauty and ugliness of the world.

### Why this film still matters today:

🎥 To Kill a Mockingbird was released in 1962, in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, and its themes of racial injustice and moral courage still resonate today.
🎬 It was directed by Robert Mulligan and adapted for the screen by Horton Foote, whose script won an Academy Award.
🏆 Gregory Peck’s performance as Atticus Finch won him an Oscar, and his courtroom speech remains one of the most powerful moments in film history.
📖 For those familiar with both the novel & the movie: How does the film compare to the novel? What changes stand out?

Watch the film on your own, then join us for a deep-dive discussion. Let’s explore the power of storytelling, the lessons we take from this classic, and why it still feels so urgent today.

RSVP today! See you there!

Modern Library’s Top 100 Novels list is full of literary giants—but women's voices are sorely lacking, particularly Black women and other minority voices. The point of this group is to explore the universal human experiences that define us all. How can we truly do that without making space for the voices that have been overlooked, ignored, or erased?

Welcome to the FTP (F*ck the Patriarchy) List—my way of balancing the scales. While I am determined to continue to make my way through the list, I'm going to be sprinkling in novels by authors historically overlooked by gatekeepers of the literary canon. If you have novels to recommend that fit this criteria, send them my way. Thanks to member Kia for this recommendation.

"I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife," said Zora Neale Hurston. She wasn’t one to passively accept injustice; she was too busy carving out her own space. I think she would approve of our FTP list, don't you?

Hurston’s novel is a lyrical, defiant, and deeply moving exploration of love, self-discovery, and Black womanhood in the early 20th century. It follows Janie Crawford as she navigates love, power, and independence on her own terms, making it a perfect first pick for our FTP list.

This will be a space for rich discussion, reflection, and celebration of Hurston’s artistry and impact. Whether you’re reading Their Eyes Were Watching God for the first time or returning to its pages, I invite you to join me in honoring a voice that deserved a spot on the Top 100 all along.

Let’s shake up the canon—one book at a time. 💥RSVP Today!